InternationalRelation-Disc2
MO-MO
Topic-Discussion2.pdf
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This is a graded discussion: 30 points possible
due May 28
Discussion 2 8 8
Prompt:
Which of the theories - realism, liberalism, constructivism, and
radicalism - do you think best explains the recent developments
in Ukraine? Or, do you think not one theory but a combination of
theories help us better explain the developments? Why? Give
reasons.
Required reading for this Essay:
1. Chapter 3
2. Realism:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnKEFSVAiNQ
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnKEFSVAiNQ)
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnKEFSVAiNQ)
3. Liberalism:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZbDMUaqwE8
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZbDMUaqwE8)
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(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZbDMUaqwE8)
4. Constructivism:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYU9UfkV_XI
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYU9UfkV_XI)
5. Exploring the Ukraine Conflict through International Relations Lenses:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKfB7ih-edo
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKfB7ih-edo)
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKfB7ih-edo)
(In this video, I am discussing Ukraine confict with two of my colleagues
from FSCJ and UCF. We are mainly applying Realism and Libearlism to
our analysis of the conflict. It was recorded about a month ago.)
(You are welcome to use other resources, but do not use online
learning resources like lumens learning, Wikipedia, study.com,
Khan Academy, Quizlet, etc. You must use resources from
reputable outlets like New York Times, Guardian, BBC, etc.)
Assignment Details:
Your initial posting should be two paragraphs long and 200-250 words
(10 more words fine), excluding citations and references. It should
present your compelling response to the above prompt and provide
strong evidence from the sources listed above to support your position.
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strong evidence from the sources listed above to support your position.
You should then make at least one posting, 100-150 words, that engage
your peers' ideas/arguments.
Part I: Initial Post worth 20 points
Write an original post (similar to a short essay) with at least two
paragraphs that include sources and proper APA or Chicago or MLA
citations and references.
*You must post the initial essay by Thursday. Penalty of 10% for
late initial posts.
Part II: Follow up posts worth 10 points
Write at least one substantive posts which must be a compelling
response to one of your peers' (initial) posts. It MUST be a substantive
reply (remember, this is your opportunity to demonstrate your
understanding of the material and earn the highest grade possible).
Do not just write laudatory responses to your peers, challenge them
and their arguments....move the discussion forward
*No discussion postings will be accepted after the deadline,
Saturday, 11:59 PM.
A Few Words of Advice...
Your argument should not be based on unfounded, preconceived
beliefs. Statements that start with or include "I believe that..." are only
valid to the extent that they are followed and supported by well-cited,
compelling evidence from reliable sources.
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Search entries or author
" Reply
As with the other discussions in this class, your personal opinion on
the issue at hand does not matter for grading purposes. (Our
grading is not influenced by your political leanings). The point of this
discussion is to think about the (above) prompt and argue your point in
a thoughtful manner, using evidence to support your position and/or to
argue against your peers' position(s).
Unread # $ % Subscribed
(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/60316)
Zubaidah Al-Amear (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/60316)
Yesterday
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I'm not an objective observer here, but these worrisome developments
have underlined the realistic position on international politics' lasting
relevance to me. However, All realism theories picture a world in which
no agency or institution can protect states against one another, and
nations must be concerned about whether a hazardous aggressor would
attack them in the future. This condition causes states, particularly large
powers, to be concerned about their security and struggle for power.
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powers, to be concerned about their security and struggle for power.
Sadly, these anxieties can sometimes lead to states doing terrible things.
The invasion of Ukraine by Russia reminds realizes that countries can act
in awful and dumb ways when their vital security interests are in danger.
Although this lesson does not justify such action, realists understand that
moral censure alone will not prevent it. Unfortunately, the battle also
exemplifies another fundamental realist concept: the "security problem."
The problem arises because efforts are taken by one state to improve its
security often make others less secure. State A feels threatened and
looks for allies or buys more weapons; State B is concerned and
responds in kind, suspicions grow, and both countries end up poorer and
less safe than before. Given their long-term fears about Russia, it was
understandable that Eastern European countries desire to join NATO.
(Greaney, Alec. “Ukraine Wanted to Join NATO's Alliance for Years. NBC
Chicago) However, it should be clear why Russian officials, not just Putin,
found this development frightening. It is now sadly evident that the risk
was not worthwhile. In conclusion, Realism was the theory that explains
the situation in Ukraine.
Reference
1. Greaney, Alec. “Ukraine Wanted to Join NATO's Alliance for Years. What
Stopped It?” NBC Chicago, NBC Chicago, 26 Apr. 2022,
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/ukraine-
wanted-to-join-natos-alliance-for-years-what-stopped-it/2813488/
(https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/ukraine-
wanted-to-join-natos-alliance-for-years-what-stopped-it/2813488/) .
2. “Exploring the Ukraine Conflict through International Relations
Lenses.” YouTube, YouTube, 14 May 2022,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKfB7ih-edo.
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(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/90905)
Jeromy Wilson (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/90905)
2:54pm
" Reply
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Hi Zubaidah, I agree with you about how the states go back and forth
with escalating the threats postured towards each other. The only way
forward I can see is for people who understand both sides
motivations extensively to come up with a solution on grounds of
moral authority and act on it. Maybe Russia strengthens trade with
and supports building infrastructure in Ukraine in return for a signed
agreement to stay out of NATO and the EU? That won't exactly work,
but it's better than open warfare. Anyways, nice post.
(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/74628)
Victoria Blanchard (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/74628)
1:54pm
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The International Relations theories that best describes the recent
developments in Ukraine are realism and constructivism. Realism is a big
part of the recent developments because Ukraine is going through the
reality of it; the people of Ukraine have to watch their families die and
leave their cities for safety. Russia made this decision as a power move
because they believe their core interests were in jeopardy. Realists want
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to be independent and do not care for harmony among states. Russia
does not think that other nations should feel threatened by them or feel
as if they were to attack them in the future.
Constructivism is reality is not absolute but subjective, it is not based on
simply material factors. Russia's leaders did not tell the truth to their
soldiers when this all started, the soldiers believed they were simply
doing some kind of training. Russia lost tons of men and weapons but
continue to push into Ukraine. Constructivism represents how the
Russians are thinking. Putin still thinks that the old Soviet Empire should
be put back together despite what other countries want. Many western
countries believe it to be liberalism, but that is not it completely.
Liberalism is creating conflict or cooperation. Russia wants something
that can only be acquired by conflict. (213)
Sources:
soomopublishing. (2011, May 4). Theory in action: Realism. YouTube.
Retrieved May 25, 2022, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnKEFSVAiNQ
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnKEFSVAiNQ)
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnKEFSVAiNQ)
soomopublishing. (2011, June 10). Theory in action: Constructivism.
YouTube. Retrieved May 25, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=kYU9UfkV_XI
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(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/90905)
Jeromy Wilson (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/90905)
2:45pm
" Reply
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According to the neo-realists, the situation in Ukraine appears to be a
move towards the unipolar system of power, driven by each state or
country's desire for safety by means of accumulating the most power.
There is also the clear willingness of Russia to engage in conflict, and
their reputation is noted by other former soviet union states, as places
like Poland are fearful of being annexed like Crimea, and chances are
that if Russia saw the same level of support by pro-Russian citizens, they
might actually do just that.
There is also the fact that Russia is so resistant to the west or any of
it's ideas leads me to believe that, although a combination of theories is
likely to blame, realism appears to be the most applicable. Primarily the
idea of a state serving it's own interest for immediate gains. There are
multiple organizations such as NATO that Russia wants nothing to do
with. They seem to be interested in self preservation and self sufficiency.
Their independence from organizations and the general lack of
willingness to compromise as much as many other nations do is
evidence of their goals. They only appear to work with those who align
with them politically. Turkey is a great example of that.
(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/90905)
Jeromy Wilson (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/90905)
5/25/22, 11:07 PM Page 8 of 14
2:46pm
" Reply
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnKEFSVAiNQ
(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/121800)
Frances Martinez (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/121800)
8:33pm
" Reply
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Jeromy,
I do agree that historically, Russia has been a willing state to pursue
war and conflict for their best interest. The U.S.S.R. being a prime
example and Putin being very clear after Crimea that "if you
compress spring all the way to it's limit, it will snap back hard. You
must remember this." However, do you think that Putin is unhinged,
and uncalculated or that maybe, this attack isn't much of a surprise?
Of course, Russia wants nothing to do with NATO since the main
reason it was created was to protect against possible attacks from
then Germany and the Soviet Union after World War II. What's even
more terrifying is that the Putin mindset is eerily similar to
Stalingrad's, who had Marxist ideals. Realism, in my opinion, is not
the only theory at play. Thoughts?
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(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/121800)
Frances Martinez (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/121800)
8:10pm
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Looking at all of the core aspects of the theories we have discussed thus
far, it is difficult to conclude that the Russia and Ukraine conflict would
be best explained within one theory. On this basis, it seems that Realism
is the main theory at play in this conflict due to the belief that a state
increases their power through war and conquest, which is currently in
force. Using the Liberal theory as an example where the ideology is that
individuals are "basically good and capable of cooperation", isn't a moral
compass one could say Putin abides by, given his actions. Putin initially
stated that he was moving in on the basis of running a "special military
operation". Putin later said that he "wants the deNazification of Ukraine."
In other words, he wants to change the system of government and rule in
place. This is also shown with his claim that he "believes Ukraine is an
illegitimate country on land that belongs to Russia". We could also bring
in that Constructivism is involved in some aspects, such as Russia
altering its actions to seem as a legitimate state. Marxism, under the
umbrella of Radicalism, puts into perspective the imperialism that Russia
is perpetuating. The impacts of this conflict are being felt around the
world, with gas prices skyrocketing, and inflation reaching records far
beyond what we have seen historically. The disruption of this region
poses an even more dangerous possibility, the shift of nuclear powers
and an unpredictable time in history.
References
https://www.vox.com/2022/2/23/22948534/russia-ukraine-war-putin-
explosions-invasion-explained "Russia's war in Ukraine, explained." Kirby,
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explosions-invasion-explained "Russia's war in Ukraine, explained." Kirby,
Jen and Guyer, Jonathan. March 6, 2022.
https://www.vox.com/2022/2/24/22948944/putin-ukraine-nazi-russia-
speech-declare-war "Putin's "NAZI" rhetoric reveals his terrifying war
aims at Ukraine"; Beauchamp, Zach. February 24, 2022.
https://www.vox.com/policy-and-
politics/2022/2/23/22945781/russia-ukraine-putin-speech-
transcript-february-22 (https://www.vox.com/policy-and-
politics/2022/2/23/22945781/russia-ukraine-putin-speech-transcript-
february-22) "Why is Putin attacking Ukraine? He told us." Beauchamp,
Zach. February 23, 2022.
Essentials of international relations, Chapter 3, 9th edition. Mignst A.
Karen; McKibben Elko, Heather.
(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/121547)
Joselyn De La Cruz (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/121547)
8:25pm
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In recent developments, the Russia-Ukraine conflict displays a
combination of realism and liberalism theories. Realist behavior can be
found in Russia’s unjust and unprovoked declaration of war toward
Ukraine. “87 people were killed after Russian troops fired four missiles at
the village of Desna and Russia is attempting to “destroy as many people
and infrastructure as possible” (Villegas). Due to recent attacks, there has
not been a clear explanation of when this war will end. Russia shares
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realist characteristics by displaying power-seeking interests and
insecurity due to the potential relative loss with Ukraine. From a realist
perspective, power is gained through war or by taking it away from other
states to help contribute to the goal of fundamental security (Mingst 71).
Ukraine shares liberalism characteristics such as being a rational state,
good relations, and developing peace with other countries can lead to
more potential allies. Countries like Denmark, the Czech Republic, and
many more have sent ordnance, aircraft, military training, and assistance
to help aid Ukraine (Demirjian). Russia can see that Ukraine is a smaller
democratic state and could potentially lead to a rise of allies or possible
membership in groups such as NATO or the EU. As of today, Ukraine is
not a part of those major group alliances. Due to Ukraine's location,
strong western liberal influences can attract Ukraine which leads to
Russia feeling insecure or attacked of having an enemy in such proximity.
If Ukraine were to join either NATO or the EU then that would most likely
escalate and agitate Russia even more. Even though Ukraine is not a part
of these organizations, fellow countries such as the United States and
other NATO affiliated countries send support through arms, intelligence,
and strategy to combat Russia. “The Biden administration and NATO,
playing geostrategic catch-up, have dramatically increased the flow of
U.S. arms to Ukraine and it clearly has benefited the defenders" (Bosco).
Works Cited
Bosco, J. (2022, May 24). Biden and NATO must help Ukraine get its
wheat to the world. The Hill. Retrieved May 25, 2022, from
https://thehill.com/opinion/international/3498895-biden-and-nato-must-
help-ukraine-get-its-wheat-to-the-world/
Demirjian, K. (2022, May 23). International Military Aid for Ukraine
accelerates, Pentagon says. The Washington Post. Retrieved May 23,
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2022, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-
security/2022/05/23/ukraine-security-assistance/
Firozi, P., Villegas, P., Pannett, R., Pietsch, B., Timsit, A., Hassan, J., &
Chapman, A. (2022, May 23). Russia-Ukraine War live updates: Russian
soldier convicted of war crime - one of 13,000 probes, says Ukrainian
official. The Washington Post. Retrieved May 23, 2022, from
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/05/23/russia-ukraine-war-
news-live-updates-putin/
Mingst, K. A., & McKibben, H. E. (2021). International Relations Theories.
In Essentials of International Relations (pp. 71–73). essay, W. W. Norton &
Company.
(https://canvas.fscj.edu/about/15236)Mary Grace Floresca (https://canvas.fscj.edu/about/15236)
11:05pm
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Hello Professor and Class,
The theory that best explains the recent developments in Ukraine is
realism. This theory explains that states will relentlessly seek power and
security because they exist in a self-help system. Nation-states can
engage in conflict for autonomy and security, and to promote their
national interests (Thayer, 124). Many people have been dying in Ukraine,
but there have not been peace talks. International organizations such as
the UN and EU have not played an active role in the Ukraine war. Nation-
states such as Russia and Ukraine have been involved in the war for
political interests, and they have been the main actors of the war. Russia
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political interests, and they have been the main actors of the war. Russia
entered the war due to its national interests.
President Putin stated that his goal was to prevent Western influence and
ensure that Ukraine does not join NATO (Kirby, 1). Russian ministers
explained that the future of Russia was at stake. Realism theory would
explain the developments in Ukraine the best because the Russians
wanted to protect their national interests. They held felt threatened by
the increasing westernization of Ukraine. Realism theory explains that
humans are selfish, and they have a strong desire for power. Russia had a
strong desire for military power, but not ethics. This led to the killing of
many Ukrainians in an effort to gain military power and protect national
interests of the state.
Works Cited
Kirby, Paul. "Why has Russia invaded Ukraine and what does Putin
want." BBC News (2022).
Thayer, Bradley A. "Bringing in Darwin: Evolutionary theory, realism, and
international politics." International Security 25.2 (2000): 124-151.
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